The forecast predicts Boston will be impacted by a strong winter storm tonight and throughout tomorrow morning’s commute. Ice and sleet are set to follow snow and the National Weather Service has warned that tomorrow morning’s commute will be extremely difficult. With that forecast in hand, Mayor Thomas M. Menino today met with his Snow Team and Interim Superintendent of Schools John P. McDonough, and the decision has been made to close schools Tuesday.

The latest forecasts show Boston could see 8 inches of snowfall with the expectation for freezing rain, ice, and sleet throughout the morning’s commute. Residents and commuters should expect very slow traffic as the City’s plowing operations continue throughout Tuesday morning. For commuters coming into Boston tomorrow, public transportation will be the best route. The Mayor and his team will continue to monitor the latest weather reports.

All Boston Centers for Youth and Familiessites will be OPEN tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All children over age 6 are welcome, but youth under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at drop-off to complete a short written form.

Boston Public Works crews are prepared for the storm. They will pre-treat the roads before the snow starts and will work throughout tonight and into tomorrow. The department will have 396 pieces of equipment on hand for the overnight.

Residents with weather-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500, or contact us via Twitter using @NotifyBoston. Residents should also visit www.cityofboston.gov/snow for latest updates and to submit requests and find information online.

Mayor Menino also reminds residents of the following:

Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.

Shovel out fire hydrants, catch basins and pedestrian ramps close to your home.

Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.